KIIS-FM's Jingle Ball 2013

Pop music may thrive because of talents who push the envelope, but it doesn’t always love scandal or controversy. That’s why it’s pop: it tries to please the most people possible. From Michael Jackson’s eccentricities to Chris Brown’s legal troubles, many listeners would rather cover their eyes and ears to allegations of questionable behavior and simply enjoy the songs and personae they’re presented.

But 2013 has been a different beast, with mainstream stars dominating the critical conversation in ways they haven’t since the ’90s – and receiving a hearty reconsidering for all their success.

KIIS-FM and iHeartRadio’s latest Jingle Ball, which launched Friday night at Staples Center in Los Angeles and will cross the country with a shifting lineup over the coming week, put many of these momentary sensations on display, a bill remarkable for how many of its acts have been associated with controversy this year.

Headliner Miley Cyrus twerked on national television and faced charges of racial insensitivity for it, one of many shamings the former Disney star has endured for her calculated bad-girl moves recently. Robin Thicke, who scored a massive hit, viral video and record of the year Grammy nomination with “Blurred Lines,” has been branded misogynistic over it and called out for fostering rape culture.

Then there are those who lit up social media by sounding off righteously, like seven-time Grammy nominees Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, who have risen to prominence despite their rhyming half’s uphill battle against a less-than-accepting rap world. That duo attracted attention via a song of the year contender (“Same Love”) skewering hip-hop’s attitude toward homosexuals.

That left Jingle Ball looking like the year's most heated Twitter debates celebrated as an awards show hosted by the likes of Ryan Seacrest and Mario Lopez.

Ironically, none of those artists, nor Latin heartthrob Enrique Iglesias, were the ones making waves Friday night. It was a provocative Selena Gomez who got the audience murmuring with discomfort. Her red-light-coated performance of two cuts from new album Stars Dance ended with the singer – obviously unaware that her microphone was still on – angrily shouting “what the f***?” as she marched off stage, apparently peeved at a sound issue that was hardly noticeable from the crowd’s perspective.

Gomez tried to save face, returning with an apology and then a near-teary, faux-heartfelt speech of gratitude to fans for supporting her. She’s an actress, albeit not the savviest one, as her remarks concluded with a promise of two more songs. Gomez abruptly left again after just one tune, her hit “Come & Get It.”

Ariana Grande grappled with similar sound issues – her microphone was off for the entirety of her opening number. Yet she handled the setback in stride, noting that “at least you know I’m not tracked” before making her way through one of the night’s most appropriate and enjoyable moments, a lovely cover of Wham!’s “Last Christmas.” The Nickelodeon alum, appearing almost angelic in a tiny snowflake dress, was a paradigm of grace and likability, blended with healthy heaps of vocal chops.

But it was two of the evening’s most outspoken stars, Cyrus and Macklemore, who delivered the strongest mini-sets.

Cyrus began her nothing’s-sacred routine with older hit “Party in the U.S.A.” before knocking out “We Can’t Stop.” Yes, she twerked on Santa – and yes, he looked like a young version of Billy Bob Thornton in Bad Santa. Yes, she grinded on a Christmas tree. Yes, she finished songs by head-banging her pixie cut.

At this point, however, her shock value comes off playfully, and the composure and professionalism of her singing and between-song banter suggests concerns over her Hannah-Montana-gone-wild rep are blown out of proportion. Both her cover of Lana Del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness” and the show’s big finish, “Wrecking Ball,” were triumphs. And though she reminded fans to see her again on her Bangerz Tour (Feb. 20 at Honda Center and Feb. 22 at Staples), it was likely unnecessary; they probably already have their tickets.

Macklemore gave a compassionate speech about marriage rights and equality for all, a message of tolerance that seemed to resonate well with this young, affluent crowd. A run through its clutch of radio smashes proved the Seattle star worthy of the Grammy attention he gained just hours earlier. And if anyone questioned his credibility, he had rising L.A. rapper Schoolboy Q out for a guest spot to bolster his rep – the night’s second biggest surprise, after T.I. assisted Thicke on “Blurred Lines.”

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.